Resolution 25-08: THANKS FOR THE WEEK TO GIVE THANKS

Number 25-08
Description Asking for the implementation of a full week for thanksgiving break.
Authored by Areeb Khan, Carson Clayton
Sponsored by Tyler Hamrick, Carson Clayton
Date Submitted Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Date Considered Monday, January 1, 0001
Committee Special Affairs
Result n/a
Remarks
Whereas The University of Texas at Arlington currently allows only 3 days for Thanksgiving break, those days being Thursday and Friday of the thanksgiving week, with no classes officially scheduled on Wednesday; and
Whereas We have many students from all over the Nation and even outside the United States (Canada, India, Etc.) which require students to travel large distances resulting in a reduced time to spend with friends and family; and
Whereas Many professors do not hold classes on the Monday and Tuesday preceding Thanksgiving Break due to historically low student attendance, resulting in limited progress in covering course material; and
Whereas While some cancel classes, others enforce mandatory attendance or even schedule exams, leading to unequal learning experiences for students; and
Whereas This inconsistency creates an imbalance among different courses, as policies vary from professor to professor; and
Whereas Many peer institutions, such as the University of Texas at Austin, Tarrant County College, Baylor University, Texas Wesleyan University, A&M, UNT, and the University of Texas at Dallas offer a full Fall Break from Monday to Friday of Thanksgiving week, providing a week-long break for students, faculty, and staff, similar to Spring Break during the spring semester, setting the universal standard among other universities; and
Be It Further Resolved That The University of Texas at Arlington implements a week long Thanksgiving break starting on the 4th Monday of the month of November, officially marking these days off in the UTA Academic Calendar making this a policy that would ensure uniformity across the university, allowing students, faculty, and staff to benefit from a cohesive break while addressing disparities caused by inconsistent individual policies.
Downloadable File Download Resolution 25-08 Thanks for the Week to give thanks.pdf